Bangladesh leg-spinner Fahima Khatun has warned opponents not to underestimate her side following their impressive showing against England in the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup.
Bangladesh came close to causing a major upset before falling to a four-wicket defeat, and Fahima believes they were just one key wicket away from sealing a famous win.
“We were trying hard to get Heather Knight’s wicket because if we had got her out at that stage, things would have been much better,” she said after the match.
Sent in to bat first at Guwahati Stadium, Bangladesh were bowled out for 178. England’s chase faltered early, with Fahima playing a crucial role by claiming three wickets for just 16 runs in her 10 overs, reducing the favourites to 103 for 6.
However, England captain Heather Knight stood firm, riding her luck to remain unbeaten on 79 from 111 balls, including eight fours and a six. Her partnership saw England reach 182 for 6, securing their second straight win of the tournament.
Bangladesh had started their World Cup campaign with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Pakistan, and Fahima said the team came into the England clash full of confidence.
“We started the World Cup well and we started our journey with a good win,” she said.
“Today, we fell short by 20 to 30 runs. But if we can maintain this flow, then every team will not be able to take us easily.”
She added, “We had a preparation that we are going to play the World Cup not only to play good cricket but to win, no matter who our opponent is. We will not see anyone as superior. We will go according to our strength and try to play well on that particular day. Ultimately, the result will come toward us.”
Fahima praised her side’s bowling attack and expressed confidence in their ability to defend any total.
“We have already said that we had a winning score. We will defend that because we were very confident about our bowling attack, and the same was said from our team management. They were very confident about it,” she said.
There was some concern over opening bowler Marufa Akter, who was named Player of the Match in the win over Pakistan but managed just five overs against England.
The 20-year-old spent the second half of England’s innings off the field, although teammates have since downplayed any major issues.
“She was feeling some cramping issues,” Fahima explained. “I think she is better now. She is doing well. I think it was one of the reasons for our loss. If we could have let her bowl two or three more overs, then it would have been more effective. We missed her a lot.”
Bangladesh are set to face winless New Zealand on Friday in what promises to be another key test of their World Cup ambitions.
